You've snagged a job interview and know that you shouldn't sit down with your potential new employer empty-handed. Make a good impression by bringing several specific things, advised Jesse Owens, Georgia Power human resources manager in Atlanta.
Start with five or six copies of your resume and references, Owens said, so that each member of the interview panel will have a set. Other important items include:
- Collateral materials such as work samples, performance reviews or certifications
- A printout of the job posting
- A folder, pen and paper for taking notes
"Bringing appropriate collateral portrays to the employer that the prospective employee is prepared, can support his or her statements and is the best candidate for the position," Owens explained.
Think about the position and what the job will involve when deciding which materials to bring. "If the position is a specialty, additional items may be needed to show the quality of work he or she has produced," Owens said. "Each field of work varies, so the list might change."
The final thing Owens recommended can't be packed in a briefcase but is just as important as your resume: a positive attitude and enthusiasm. Adding those qualities to your professional experience can make an impression the hiring manager is sure to remember.
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